Many, many thanks to everyone who supported us for a Social Media Award from Austin's largest newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman. For those of you wondering what F1 in Austin has to do with social media, hopefully this background helps:

The Austin Grand Prix utilizes social media to connect with motorsport fans around the world. Our goal is simple: to help people connect with F1™.

Via independent analysis and on-location accessibility, we're able to deliver insight that translates into conversations with local and international fans, consumers, business owners, industry players and motorsports media. We take the conversation past blogging and into real-time dialogue via daily updates on Twitter. We engage with curious fans via high-quality picture and content sharing on Facebook and deliver unique video content via our Vimeo channel. We launched our COME AND RACE IT e-commerce site to build our brand responsibly and we aim to consistently embrace the latest social media tools, such as Pinterest and Tumblr.

Ultimately, technology is about connecting. Social media is The Austin Grand Prix’s tool to enhance the connection between a sport and its fans. We understand that Formula 1 is the most technologically advanced sport and it’s coming to one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world: Austin, Texas. As Kerri explains, “It’s about a culture that breeds innovation and technology and we're really lucky to have this in such a forward thinking city. I think it's a perfect partnership.”

Because we share a deep passion for our hometown, The Austin Grand Prix also serves as a platform for education and interaction within the city of Austin. We support responsible and sustainable growth for Austin while helping fans around the world learn more about this amazing city. While excitement continues to build for an Austin F1 race in November, The Austin Grand Prix will continue to help novice and intermediate racing fans alike to connect with a technology-fueled sport.

We'll share the results of the nomination process as soon as we receive further details.